The Northern Lights

Aurora Borealis or The Northern Lights

The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights

Even for a modern man Aurora Borealis also known as the Northern Lights is an unusual phenomenon occasionally seen in the arctic skies. It generally is takes place by the fall of the dusk; like a screen gets spread in the sky exhibiting designs that can marvel even the imagination of the latest graphics expert. A modern man can only compare the scene in surprise and compare the heaven as to a huge LED screen for the Almighty to display his skills in graphics and animation! The multicolor rug never static or remain idle as long as it is there it goes on changing its hues and designs. From time immemorial Auroras (a k a Northern Lights) had been visitors to the Polar skies, and the ancient people were smart enough to attribute further colors to it by their fantasy and story telling skills.

Aurora Borealis.

Aurora Borealis (Aurora is the Roman goddess of dawn, and Borealis is the northern wind) is apt word as Aurora deserves the name nothing less than that of a Goddess for its beauty and Borealis (Greek that means the Northern Wind) suggests it location as it is frequent in Northern Hemisphere). When compared to Aurora the name Northern Lights is plain and dull. For an ancient man wonderstruck by the fireworks and intriguing images appearing high above the sky; no other words would be more apt; just call it the beautiful goddess of the north. These heavenly displays are generally found in places closer to the Polar Regions, but it may take place although rarely in temperate regions also. September to October and March to April is the time frequented by it.

Poor grandpas invent out of necessity.

Aurora borealis as seen from Space Shuttle Atlantis

For generations people have been intrigued by this phenomenon they feared, worshiped as well as fabricated stories about it. Elder people when pestered by children about these colorful phenomena on the skies were rather forced to cover their lack of knowledge with the figments of imagination. Auroras have been described as heaven itself (the abode of good spirits and souls), dead women especially virgins (this may be a story of some one scared of women especially virgins!); they are considered as signs for royal birth (may be a courtesan’s version), and feared as the precursors of war (a coward’s version!) like this each grandpa had his own story. The dragon legends of the Chinese Mythologies are said to have their roots in the Auroras, they are as well believed as ghosts of dead people come to have a look at their siblings!

What is an Aurora?

Schematic of Earth's magnetosphere

Let us see what the scientists have to say about the auroras “are mere emissions of lights when charged particles rub each other” is their stock answer. For them the earth is constantly getting showers of charged particles from the sun, when these relatively low energy particles of the solar wind gets trapped in the magnetic field of the earth. These charged particles collide with those (electrons and protons) of the Earth’s upper atmosphere (more than 80 km in height).

How the colors?

Red and green Aurora in Fairbanks, Alaska

The collision in the upper atmosphere electronically excite the particles, the energy produced by the excitation is spent as light or collisions. The Auroras we see are green or red if they are emissions from atomic oxygen, where as nitrogen ions produce red, blue or violet rays. In short Auroras are the result of energy exchanges taking place between these charged particles; as if light is emitted from within a cathode ray tube.

Ancient Greek explorers have found that (Pytheas 1741) very high magnetic fluctuations occur at the time Auroras are formed. This has been later confirmed that very large electric currents are associated with Aurora formation.

Kristian Birkeland (1867 – 1917).

The world is much indebted to Kristian Birkeland (born in Oslo in 1867) who has contributed much in demystifying Auroras. Mr. Birkeland is also well known as a scientist who presented his first research paper at the age of 18. Fascinated by the Auroras he did several researches on it. He established a series of laboratories in the Polar Auroral Regions to collect magnetic field data, and discovered numerous phenomena associated with Aurora. The discovery of X- rays inspired him to invent cathode ray tubes and study the magnetic field data. Mr. Birkeland even simulated Aurora in his lab using cathode ray tubes. The Earth’s Magnetic sphere, the Global Pattern of Electric Currents all are his contributions to the world.

Goddess of Love not Dawn!

Aurora australis

Scientists are phenomenal bores and they make molehills out of mountains, Aurora theories are no exception to this statement. Aurora is actually the Roman Goddess itself who fell in love with Tithonus (son of Laomedon –the king of Troy).

‘It is no wonder we can say;

He was more beautiful than day!’

In her urge she took away him to the heaven and requested Jupiter to grand him immortality to match him with the eternity of a goddess. The request was granted but in her hurry she forgot to ask for his eternal youthfulness also! When time passed Tithonus began to show signs of ageing. Aurora’s infatuation ended when his hairs grew grey and she left the old man for his fate; but she was kind enough to give him a palace and the royal cuisine. When he became too old and even his limbs refused to move; Aurora got ashamed of him and made him a grass hopper- to get rid of her eternal embarrassment!

Poor Aurora!

The Aurora and Tithonus couple had a son; Memnon who became the king of Ethiopia but unfortunately got killed by the army of Antilochus the son of Nestor in a war. Poor Aurora had to witness the death of her son sitting on the heaven. She could do nothing but sent the wind to carry the body of her dear son to the banks of River Esepus. The funeral pyre was set and it was set by Jupiter then thousands of birds flew out from the pyre and they began to fight each other in to two groups. Finally all the birds fell in the pyre and disappeared.

Leave the bores and go for the marvelous!

Each year the funeral pyre and the birds visit the earth in memory of the death of the dear son the Goddess of Dawn. Actually what you see in the sky are the funeral pyre and the thousand birds born out of the pyre; which have come to celebrate the obsequies of Memnon. The dew drops that shines like diamonds on the grass blades in the early morning are not condensed moisture (as these scientists say) but the tear-drops of a bereaved mother –Aurora; the Goddess of the Dawn. Don’t take what scientists say they are a spoilsport lot, who find a boring story behind every marvelous phenomena! They even say life is protoplasm and dreams mere activities of idle brain.

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls - Mosi oa Tunya

Victoria Falls

“No one can imagine the beauty of the view from anything witnessed in England, it had never been seen before by European eyes; but the scene so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight!” David Livingstone who explored the Zambezi River during 1852 -56. Livingstone was not just an explorer but might be a poet in heart. The River Zambezi flowing quiet through the vast plains of Africa all on a sudden trips as such in to a 360 feet deep gorge making a water curtain that is 5577 feet (1700 meters) wide, the largest water curtain in the world. The local people call it ‘Mosi oa Tunya’; the thundering smoke!

Location.

Victoria Falls Map courtsey: botswana-tourism.gov.bw

Two nations own the credit of having the Victoria Falls; Zambia, and Zimbabwe. One bank is Livingstone (named after the famous explorer) and the other bank is the Victoria Falls of Zimbabwe. It is easy to select the Livingstone route as Zambia is a better place to Zimbabwe. From the town of Livingstone travel through the Mosia O Tunya road; the falls are just 11 km away. People of both countries are permitted to visit the other side without visa. The location being accessible by bus and train this is for the local people a cheap destination and most of the tourists is local people.

World Heritage Site.

Victoria Falls - The Eastern Cataract, on the Zambian side.

The Victoria Falls are one of the world’s major tourist attractions and a UNESCO approved World Heritage Site. Each country has a National Park for the protection of the flora and fauna as well as for enhancing tourism. These National Parks are habitats of numerous animals wandering and grazing in the grass land plains are very easily visible to the tourists. In no other parts in the world wild animals are so easily visible; this is an added attraction to the visitors. Both countries depend heavily on the income from tourists to survive. Entry to Zimbabwe is expensive due to hefty fees and corrupt officials at the entry points. Political issues prevalent in Zimbabwe are not conductive to promote tourism hence the present the occupancy rates in hotels the at Zimbabwe side are dismal.

The mighty Zambezi.

The Zambezi River (The fourth longest river in Africa - length 1600 miles) has its origin in the 4922 feet high Mwinilunga Town (a hilly town -the wettest place in Africa) in Zambia and flows through the border dividing between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The mighty river has a basin of 1,390,000 sq kms (second only to Nile) and it has three major falls in its course (Victoria, Ngonye and the Chavuma Falls) of which Victoria is undoubtedly the biggest and the greatest. Zambezi flows 1600 miles through the parched plains of Middle Africa supplying the much needed water to people of 8 countries Zambia, Congo, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique to join Indian Ocean. The greatness of the river is that most of the whole animal world living in this area depends on the water of Zambezi.

Dr. David Livingstone (19 March 1813 – 4 May 1873).

It was Livingstone who revealed the existence of this marvel to the outside world and who named the falls after Victoria in honor of Queen Victoria. He was one of the most popular heroes of the 19^th century was a many splendored genius, a Scottish Presbyterian (a senior member of a church under the Bishop), pioneer medical missionary, a member of the London Missionary Society, Scientific investigator and explorer etc Livingstone’s descriptions are numerous. He was also a crusader against slavery as well as the hero of the working class. Discovery of Victoria Falls was just one feather on his cap, there others like, the source of River Nile, Lake Tanganyika, Lake Mweuru, Lake Banweulu etc. It was in a village (Illala on the south west banks of Lake Bangweulu; Livingstone breathed his last affected by chronic dysentery and malaria. He was granted the title ‘National Hero’ posthumously in 1874.

Vantage Points.

Victoria Falls Bridge

There is no dearth for vantage points to catch finer vision of this falls, for a closer vision to the visitor there is a natural basalt platform with the same height of the falls where visitors can comfortably stand and watch the massive curtain of water collapsing in to curtain to 360 feet deep gorge with a thunderous sound raising spray that can be seen from several miles away.

The Knife Edge Bridge, the Look out Tree are and the Falls Bridge all offer a 360 degree vision of the whole settings like Eastern Cataract, the Main Fall as well the ‘boiling pot’ where the river turns head down the Batoka Gorge.

The Victoria Falls Bridge commissioned by Cecil John Rhodes in 1900, this bridge has significance as Mr. Rhodes who wished the railway carriages getting a shower bath from the spray of the falls; never had the luck to witness the falls as he died before the completion of the bridge.

Boiling Pot.

‘Boiling Pot’ is a real sight when the broad and wide Zambezi suddenly collapses in to the falls and zigzag through the narrow gorges. This ‘pot’ really boils with the sheer power of the angry waters. This river is not the old placid Zambezi before the falls but a ‘possessed’ schizophrenic enraged with anger and brutal power; clearly visible from the steep cliff above. This place can be accessed from the parking lot; though the climb is a bit strenuous the reward compensates the effort. From their the thundering flow below, a panoramic view of the falls and a view of the Victoria Falls Bridge as well as the emerald forests around cane be clearly seen.

A walk way for some views.

The opposite cliff facing the falls is a well paved walk way through which visitors can take a walk through the rim of the rain forests and at times there are points to view the falls from different angles. The intense spray from the falls may wet the visitors but it can be taken as a welcome sign in the scorched tropical heat, take care of camera and other electronic items from getting soaked.

A wild view!

Main falls of Mosi-oa-Tunya or Victoria Falls

Africa is a continent very wide and scenic; it is less populated and secured from the recent frenzy of developmental activities. These two factors have helped in keeping its nature unspoiled to great extent. In Africa’s grass lands scenes one would have seen in movies can be seen in first person. Giraffe, zebra, bison, all sorts of deer, roam free and often falling prey to predators like lion, cheetah or tiger all offer a cinematic view of the whole land.

Facilities.

There are micro aircrafts for hire which tourists can avail though costly it is worth the money, as no where else in the world you can see a lion running after a herd of dears or a group of bisons numbering more than thousands grazing free! There are numerous agencies who arrange safaris both on elephants and walking; these facilities demand certain amount of physique, courage and endurance, because a confrontation with a rhino cannot be totally ruled out! Thinking of a ‘wild’ vacation? Come to the Victoria Falls and the surrounding National Park and see animals and Mother Nature as fresh as the time when god almighty created them.

Paricutin Volcano

Paricutin Volcano, Mexico – A volcano from corn field

Paricutin Volcano

Born on a Saturday evening (February 20, 1943) in a village by name Paricutin in Mexico; this volcano has the credit of being one of the youngest in the world. It was a fine Saturday evening; when Dionsio Pulido a Tara scan Indian (a native ethnic group of Mexico) went in to his corn field hearing an array of unusual sounds; for his horror what he saw was his farmland getting caved in and thunderous rumbling sounds coming out. Fumes with the foul odor (that of rotten eggs) emanating from the fissure. The poor Tara scan family did not foresee that a volcano was having its birth in their farmland. The enfant terrible swallowed not only Paricutin the village of its origin but the neighboring San Juan Parangarikutiro.

The youngest; but the fastest.

In one way Mr. Dionsio Pulido can sigh in relief; though he lost his farmland he can claim ownership of one of the Seven Wonders of the World; because this volcano was born in his farmland! Paricutin is located in the Michoacan State of Mexico. Since its birth in 1943 it grew fast and almost reached three fourth of its present size within one year of its inception.

Trans Mexican Volcanic Belt or Transversal.

Map of Paricutin Volcano

The birth of a volcano; taken place in a populated place; that too from within a cornfield was a very rare occurrence. This place known as the Trans Mexican Volcanic Belt (The ‘Transversal’ that passes across Southern Mexico in east-west direction) has the credit of owning more than 1400 volcanoes; many of them still active. Among these 1400 the Paricutin is the ‘fastest’ growing one in the pyroclastic (eruptive stage) itself it reached a height of 336 meters.

What is a volcano and how is it formed.

1943 eruption

People for generations have feared, admired and worshiped volcanoes but only recently they were brought under scientific research and study. The core of the earth is made up of molten materials made up of different materials like silica, magnesium, sulfur etc remaining in high temperature and pressure. Volcanoes are mere outlets for the release of this pressure. Some weak area closer to the pressure zone will finally give way for the release and the magma flows out spewing lava and other contents. It may either burst or flow out; this process is determined by the temperature of the magma, gases dissolved in it etc. The lava cools of after contacting atmosphere and rocks are formed (such rocks are called igneous rocks), it is these deposits that accumulate and become the volcano. The Paricutin is a telling example and there are even eyewitness; still alive to tell the story.

Tierra Caliento terrain.

Paricutin from Las Cabañas

The Paricutin is located about 200 miles from Mexico City in an elevation of 10,400 feet above sea level. It has at present a height of 1391 feet (424 meters) and occupies 10 sq km or area with solidified lava and another sq km with volcanic sand lying scattered all around. This volcano is in a climate region called Tierra Caliento which is about 3000 feet above sea level and known for its long hot summers and mild winters. Cactus forests, Tree Ferns, Mossy Orchids and other flowering plants are abundant in this region. Many species of snakes (most of them non poisonous) coyotes and mountain lions are also found in the area surrounding the volcano.

A research lab of a volcano.

Cinder cone in 1943

As the origin of it was in a populated area scientists could watch every stages in the formation of a volcano and they could use all the modern devices to study the process in detail, perhaps the most significant aspect of the Paricutin Volcano is its birth and growth in the eyes of modern science. For scientists this is a ‘Cinder Cone’ (a cone shaped mount around a volcano) type volcano which is ‘monogenic’, meaning simply this ‘with a single vent’. Ever since it erupted initially and the second one in 1953 this volcano is growing up far faster than any of its peers. At present the solidified lava

The church bell-tower tells it all.

San Juan Parangaricutiro Church

Paricutin has the credit of one of the most harmless volcano as its initial eruption even though it occurred in the middle of a village and it covered the entire village of Paricutin (it is in the name of this village the volcano is named) and adjoining village of San Juan for its birth. Its eruption was slow enough in the pace so that people could find a secure shelter some where; while the entire village was covered by the debris thrown out of the volcano (ejecta) a church bell tower still stands up above all telling its presence to the visitors. The latest eruption in 1952 no one was dead from the flow of lava that flowed 50 feet below its rim, but the lightening that occurred in volcanic clouds caused the death of three persons.

Seven Wonders of The World Video

New Seven Wonders of the World on YouTube

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I.Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza (at the mouth of the well of Itza) Pyramid Yucatan Peninsula Mexico was built in the 6^th century AD by the Mayans. It is a collage of various architectural styles happened due to cultural integration between different civilizations.

II.The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is a massive 4150 miles long barricade built to block the invading armies of Huns, Mongols, Turks as well as numerous nomads who were engaged in looting and killing of people at random.

III.Taj Mahal Agra India

Taj Mahal Agra India was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in the sixteenth century as mausoleum to his wife Mumtaz Mahal who died in her early age in a child-birth.

IV.Petra of Jordan

Petra of Jordan located in an ancient city of Petra, Jordan built on a terrace in Wadi Musa (Valley of Mosses) was capital of Arab Kingdom of Nebastius.

V .The Coliseum of Italy

The Coliseum of Italy was built in AD 80 is the forerunner in design of the modern stadium. Built by Emperor Titus for a 100 day long marathon game including the duel between gladiators, who had either to kill or die before the spectators.

VI. Machu Pichu of Peru

Machu Pichu of Peru represents a wonderful Incan culture that prevailed in South America around the 15^th century.

VII . Christ the Redeemer of Rio de Janeiro Brazil

Christ the Redeemer of Rio de Janeiro Brazil A giant statue of Jesus Christ; standing straight (stretching his hands in the role of redeemer of souls) which is a 125 feet tall structure located on the Mount Covocado.

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef image courtsey: eb.com

The treasure of Oceania.

The region of the mid-south Pacific Ocean where Australia, New Zealand and numerous small islands (about 25,000) scattered is known as the Oceania. The Oceania has much geographical exclusivities for its credit; but Great Barrier Reef that spans 2000 kms near Australia is the most prominent among them. It is the largest coral reef in the world (the second largest is the Belize Barrier Reef of Central America) located in the Coral Sea off north–east part of Australia almost parallel to Queen’s Land. This rare natural wonder comprises of about 900 islands and more than 3000 coral platforms all formed by millions of years of biological activity has been approved as the icon of Queen’s Land.

Great Barrier Reef Map courtsey: gbrmpa.gov.au

The Coral Polyps, their self less service.

Unbelievable but true is the fact that these huge ‘mountains’ are aragonite structures created by a type of miniature animals known as ‘Coral Polyps’ belonging to the group of Sea Anemones and Jelly Fishes (colonial cnidarians). The Coral Polyps are very special types of ‘animals’ which are shaped like flowers, and live in enormous colonies consisting of billions of such animals. Each animal during its life span leaves an amount of calcium deposit (which functions as their exoskeleton) on which a new one finds its shelter thus the process goes on. These so called animals have no brain, heart, ear or even eyes, are engaged twenty four hours in absorbing calcium rich minerals from the surrounding sea water and converting it to hard calcium deposits that is the coral reef, a self less service for the welfare of the mother earth!

Symbiosis.

The lives of the Coral Polyps are dependent (rather it is a symbiotic relationship) on a special type of algae by name Zooxanthellae. Coral Polyps carry these yellowish brown algae in their body, Zooxanthellae produce necessary oxygen for the breathing and nutrients for the polyps in addition they help in the removal of wastes that get accumulated on its body. In return the algae get ‘lodging’ facility in the body (cytoplasm) of the polyps. This type of natural arrangement existing in nature between two types of being is known as symbiosis. The problem with symbiosis is that one animal cannot live without the other.

Barriers and Atolls, Bank Reef etc.

The Great Barrier Reef image courtsey: smh.com.au

The Coral Reefs are of many types, Fringing Reef, found in the shallow waters of seacoast and leaves a shallow lagoon with beautiful fish varieties, The Apron reef, Barrier Reef is that remains detached from mainland looks like a mountain range. Patch Reef, Ribbon Reef, Table Reef etc are shaped as their names denote (Table Reefs are comparatively larger). Atoll is ring shaped group of islands (may be continuous) that encircle a lagoon. The Barrier Reefs are located off the coast and are dotted with deep water bodies in between coat and the reef. The groups of coral islands also have lakes with bluish water in between. These Great Barrier Reefs that stretch more than 2000 km in length occupy more than 20,000 sq kms and each year they are engaged in the manufacturing of 500 million tons of calcium compounds!

A unique eco-system.

The Barrier Reef being a live mass require congenial atmosphere to flourish, temperature should be between 18 to 30 degree C, water should be saline and clear enough to allow sunrays in. Barrier reefs, Atolls and coral islands are all variants off same system. They jointly create a very rare and valuable eco system where numerous fish like Angel Fish, Parrot Fish, Damsel Fish, Butterfly Fish etc. algae, and many lower types of animals like Sea Cucumber, Shrimps, Spiny Lobsters, Star Fish etc. In a survey conducted in 1997 more than 93,000 species of plants and animals have been discovered from the barrier reef ecosystem. About one third of the total species of beings live in the barrier reef system. Deforestation makes the rivers filled with silt that flows direct in to the see.

Great Barrier Reef image courtsey: businessweek.com

A rude shock.

Deforestation is a main issue that works havoc on the reef, the disappearance of trees makes surface soil without support and it along with silt flows in to river and finally reaches in to the sea. These silt blocks sunlight beneath the sea and kill the symbiotic bacteria and thereby causing the death of the coral polyps. Industrial units discharge waste to the sea and effluents from crowded cities deposit it in to the sea. These effluents act like nutrients to some harmful bacteria and algae that invade the reef. All these are ringing death knell of this valuable system that has formed by billions of years. It is shocking to read that a major part of the barrier is on the verge of death.

A recognition.

The world has recognized the value and importance of the reef and it has been given the status of World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1981. More than 2 million tourists visit the reef each year and Australian tourism is much dependent upon the reefs for its revenue sources. The responsibilities related with the protection of reef are entrusted with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. This Authority has the hard task to protect the environment while facilitating amenities to the tourists who come from the whole part of the world for pleasure as well as study.

Tourism.

Great Barrier Reef image courtsey: liveandletdive.googlepages.com

Tourism is the main income of the Great Barrier Reef area, the revenue it receives is over 1 billion dollars. The visitors to this reef are with varying demands some for sheer pleasure, others want to spent holidays in luxury, there are adventurers, and there are visitors who are aware of the rarity of the barrier reef phenomenon and want to understand it in person. Linder man, White Sunday, Hamilton, Day dream, Hook (all islands) Hardy Reef, Whit Heaven Beach are some of the destinations visited by cruisers, tourists can have sight seeing all around the places and avail great company along with.

Facilities.

There are about 700 approved tour operators of which more than 65% actively engaged in facilitating amenities to tourists. There are glass bottomed boats for viewing the corals by sitting in the boat, There are scuba diving facilities, semi submersible vessels, snorkeling gears (a tube and fittings to breathe while under shallow waters) rowing boats and etc provided. Those who are interested in fishing can pass time by catching fish. Those who have come to study the system has a good chance as educational tours are also here.

As it is in the case of most of the good tourists’ spots, here also the tourists who come for mere pleasure or just for spending a holiday; return with a lot of information and awareness; that they would never have acquired sitting at home.

Related Reading

• Coral Reefs
• Belize Barrier Reef
  

Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon –Arizona USA

Grand Canyon

The earth on which we live in has unbelievable features; if not fully convinced of the statement go and see the Grand Canyon, any one will agree with a shock and awe that the earth is a real wonder. Looking on the rim one may find the ‘really grand’ canyon as a giant crack on the face of the earth; it may look as if the Mother Earth got cracked in to two, but scientists claim it has been made by the erosive effect of the Colorado River that flows thousands of meters down the ridges.

Some millions and some billions.

As per scientists the canyon is the creation of the Colorado River; its running waters engaged in non-stop erosion activity; that has taken to take away the rocks; and carved out such a canyon. Need a pinch of salt to digest? If so, how many millions of years it would have taken to rob of so much mass of rocks? No definite answer several millions, that is all! What would be the age of the rock that got caved in as the canyon, the answer is “several billions”.

Really grand canyon!

Grand Canyon map courtsey: utexas.edu

The Grand Canyon - central part of the Grand Canyon National Park- is in the state of Arizona. This location was first discovered by Coronado a European in 1540. The Grand Canyon National Park is 4927 sq km in area is the largest national park in US. It is located in a plateau at about 8200 feet above sea level. This canyon located between two rims (the North Rim and the South Rim) is 20 to 29 km wide (from one rim to the other), and depth between 3000 to 5000 feet; the canyon is about 500 km long.

And quietly flows the Colorado!

In the bottom river Colorado flows quite like a thin blue thread stretched between the desolate setting and rugged terrain. It would be hard to assume that such an innocent river could make this vast expanse of a canyon and still keep on flowing as if does not know any thing about the origin of the canyon!

Money spinner.

This area though placed in a remote corner of Arizona has turned out to be a virtual money spinner to US, as each year the numbers of tourists who visit the spot keep on increasing and to the visitors to US Grand canyon remains in the top of their wish list. The Grand Canyon National Park has been declared a National Park by the US government in 26^th February 1919. The UNESCO has also approved it as World Heritage site.

Some precautions before visit.

Grand Canyon

As pleasure seekers from US as well as those around the world come here for enjoyment, tourists who are not accustomed with realities may face problems. June to mid September is the ideal time for visit. About 4 million people visiting this park every year and the South Rim is the favorite location of 90% of them.

Not a city!

• Grand Canyon is not a city; but a remote location those who come without advance booking in the lodges as well as personal belongings will be in trouble.

• During seasons traffic will be heavy and be prepared for snarls that can make anybody restless (avoiding peek season is the only way out).

• Servicing of vehicles would be difficult (keep the vehicle fit check the spare tire), refilling of fuel will be problem, so come with the tank full.

• Take enough water as well as food items (otherwise will have to beg for a bottle of water!).

• It is good to take an extra set of car keys as loss of a set should not make you a lost child.

• Parking of vehicles will also be an issue for those who come late, hence be an early bird (better leave the car at the gate and take free bus facility).

• There are few rain shelters take an umbrella because the weather; as it is every where is quite un-predictable.

• South Rim is about 7000 feet above sea level (people with Asthma or claustrophobia better avoid walking through the trails).

Hikers beware!

Grand Canyon

Hiking is a thrilling experience but Grand Canyon is no ordinary hill! Only those with good health should try it. Even those with experience in hiking should spend two days one for the descent and spent night in a secure place and start climbing next day. Take enough water with electrolytes to keep body cool as the temperature may rise up to 41 degree Celsius. There may be confrontations with rattle snakes (very common in the locality) just ignore it and mind your business.

Feeding or going near wild animals is not only risky but there is fine for such activities as it is illegal (leave the wild as wild).

Facilities!

Grand Canyon

The efficiency that is found in facilitating maximum convenience to the tourists along with ensuring their safety is a demanding task, but the same is managed here with marked efficiency. Canyon View Information Plaza is open 365 days and provides necessary guidance to tourists. They also provide rest rooms and a good library for visitors. There are more than one vantage point in short walk distance like Mater Point. There is free shuttle service Grand Canyon Village Desert View or take the Hermit road to the rim in 13 km distance where private vehicles are not allowed.

Tour options.

There is no dearth for packaged tour organized by tour operators, programs which are tailor made fit for age groups as well as all pockets. All facilities can and should be previously booked for ensuring availability. There are helicopter ride enabling visitors to see the ultimate details of the canyon the multicolor hues of the rough terrain scattered along with boulders of many shapes. There is one option more thrilling that is rafting through the Colorado River to the canyon; it is dove-tailed with helicopter down an up to save time and energy at the cost of some money.

Hualapai Reservation.

There are Red Indian villages in the southern side of Colorado River; inhabited by Hualapai Tribes (hualapai in native language means ‘people of tall pine’ denoting the lush pine forests where they originally lived). This settlement is about 150 sq km in area and population is 1350 these people live in a world of their own and the tribal chieftains still wield power over the community. Law and order are maintained by Bureau of Indian Affairs. Yavapai and Havasupai (who live nearby) are related tribes. The contact with modern culture and life style has wreaked havoc in their culture, now alcoholism and obesity has become prevalent.

Business of selling dreams!

The business acumen of America is visible everywhere, entrepreneurs here know how to do business and make money, they know that here people are out to seek some pleasure, and tour operators leave no opportunities unexplored in rendering all sorts of services and facilities to the visitors; and as a result money flows here mightier than River Colorado while the tourists satisfaction level rises above South Ridge; That is American dream!

Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls, South America

Iguazu Falls image courtsey: worldleader.com.ar

Not one or two ... 275!

These torrential falls about 275 of them within a distance of 2.7 km some of them about 82 meters in height, the deafening sounds of all combined, all closely accessible has such an impact that anyone who has a heart gets overwhelmed. ‘Iguazu has a daily beauty in it which makes Niagara ugly!’ it made Eleanor Roosevelt who remarked with a sigh “poor Niagara” comparing Iguazu with Niagara of her native land. Niagara Falls –the pride of her continent –where millions stand in ovation; a not so much heard of waterfall from a remote corner of the world; outsmarting Niagara came something like a shock to the former first lady.

A trump card.

These falls altogether 2.7 km in length comes between Argentina and Brazil; have the added advantage of easy access either from Foz do Iguazu of Brazil or Parana and Puerto Iguazu of Argentina. It was Alvar Nenez Cabesa who discovered the falls in 1541; it still remained there un-noticed to be explored by Baselli in the 19^th century. One of the falls is named after him. Now this site is accessible even by train in the Argentina side. The Andes Altiplano is an ecologically unique region and it has much more in store to delight visitors; but Iguazu Falls remain as the trump card in pulling most of the visitors to these regions, it is a virtual money spinner for both Brazil and Argentina.

All aces.

Iguazu Falls - Devil's throat from the Brazilian side

For Latin America being number one in geographical features is only a matter of habit as it has ever remained numero uno in this aspect. Andes is the longest mountain range in the world, Amazon Forests (most dense rain forest on earth), Amazon River (the largest river on earth), Angel Falls (the tallest water fall on earth), Atacama Desert (the driest part of the land), La Paz (the highest state capital), Titicaca Lake (world’s highest navigable lake), Puerto Taro (southern most city in the world), Machu Pichu (center of Inca Culture) are just some of the surprises South America has to offer.

Story time!

There is a myth about these falls prevalent among the natives; though it pictures God Almighty in a poor light it is quite imaginative. Once upon a time in a village near the river there lived a beautiful village damsel by name Naipi. Seeing her charm none other than God fell in love with her and approached her parents to give her in marriage. Parents found the ‘boy’ suitable and immediately agreed! But for the misfortune of the Almighty the girl had a lover by name Taroba; and both fled in a canoe through the river Iguazu. God Almighty was not magnanimous enough to spare the young couple and chased and overtook them. Then with his magic sword the Almighty in a rage cut the river and the earth in to two! It is believed that the couple fell in the gorge thus formed and perished. But Iguazu still keep on falling!

The throat of the devil!

Iguazu Falls Map courtsey: shalgo.com

Iguazu Falls are in the River Iguazu between Argentina and Brazil, the whole areas come under the Iguazu National Park Argentina and Iguacu National Park Brazil both UNESCO approved World Heritage Sites since 1984 and 1986 respectively. One of the spectacular sights is the ‘Devil’s Throat’ (Gargantua do Diablo) the ‘U’ shaped falls, where water from a horse shoe shaped platform falls in to a deep semi circular gorge, the massive fall of water from a height of a 24 storied building is nothing but awesome. The roar of falling water frightens anybody and thus it has got this strange name Gargantua do diablo; meaning devil’s throat! It is no wonder that these falls are called so as the water discharged during peak time is about 400,000 cubic meters, and the sound produced must be proportionate! The water is collected in the canyon flows in to River Rio Parana in Argentina.

visitors guide.

There are bus services from various points of Puerto Iguazu in every 45 minutes. During seasons there is consistent flow of tourists to this location. Iguazu has been recognized as the 8^th wonder of the world by National Geographic and remains as a crowd puller during season. Once inside the location there are services of authorized guides available who can talk most of the important languages in the world.

A meaningful visit.

December to February is times of heavy rains and the falls can be seen at its wildest form; but there may be problems as hilly tracts may be damaged due to the rains and tour operations may be closed. March to August is best as the rain may be over and clear atmosphere will offer better vision. Most visitors fly from Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro as if in a hurry have a look and return as if it is a single fall; but at least two days are required to pay a meaningful visit, one full day at the Brazilian side and one for the Argentinean locations.

This sight seems familiar!

Iguazu Falls

One who have never visited Latin America in his life may seem these locations very familiar ‘looks as if I had seen it somewhere’, it is true all people who have watched the blockbuster movies ‘Godzilla’, ‘The Mission , ‘Moon raker’ have seen these locations with awe have seen them. The names of the films mentioned are just few there are numerous films shot in these sites making them familiar even to the most confirmed couch potato!

History of dry up!

Iguazu Falls

The Argentinean side is best for closer views and easy access where as the Brazilian side offers a wild panoramic view. There had been times when the river got completely dried up upsetting the visitors, because there will be no waterfall without water! But no reason to worry as such events occurs only once or twice in a decade and even that will be only for short period like one or two weeks.